Christ Church Magazine, July 2019
We are live in uncertain days. Change is the watchword on so many fronts! We may face changes at the personal or national levels that disrupt daily life or at least cause an upset that we have to deal with and work through.
At the personal level we may face changes in our state of health, our work or relationships among the wider family. If we are connected to the education world we are aware of the rush towards the end of the school or college year, which draws a line under a phase of life. At the national level the news has been dominated by candidate nominations for a new Prime Minster, but will affect the political direction of government. These things are unsettling. Where can we go to have stability? What will give us peace of mind?
Our new poster on the notice board this month asks: “Looking for peace?” This may hit the nail on the head for us! Many can attempt to relieve the pressures of life through letting off the pressure with friends over a few drinks, enjoying sport or other hobbies, watching the latest films (or reruns) or reading an enjoyable book. But these are temporary measures, a mere escape from what we face.
A reassuring answer comes from something that Jesus said: ‘Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11v28). Jesus offers to not only relieve us of the burden of going it alone but giving us something much better. His help goes beyond supporting us with our present burdens as he goes on to explain: ‘Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light’ (Matthew 11v29-30). Jesus invites us to join him in the way he is going and to discover the spiritual blessings that he gives. Forgiveness for past mistakes, knowing his care in our present struggles and being assured of his future leading are truly great blessings. Peace that he brings is what counts.
If you have never known this before then he says ‘come!’ If you have come to know this in your life then let’s not forget Jesus in our time of need, but come to him again and again to discover his peace.
Paul Kingman